Thoughyouhavenotseenhim,youlovehim.Thoughyoudonotnowseehim,youbelieveinhimandrejoice

withjoythatisinexpressibleandfilledwithglory,obtainingtheoutcomeofyourfaith,thesalvationofyour

souls.Concerningthissalvation,theprophetswhoprophesiedaboutthegracethatwastobeyourssearched

andinquiredcarefully,inquiringwhatpersonortimetheSpiritofChristinthemwasindicatingwhenhe

predictedthesufferingsofChristandthesubsequentglories.Itwasrevealedtothemthattheywereserving

notthemselvesbutyou,inthethingsthathavenowbeenannouncedtoyouthroughthosewhopreachedthe

goodnewstoyoubytheHolySpiritsentfromheaven,thingsintowhichangelslongtolook.Therefore,

preparingyourmindsforaction,andbeingsober-minded,setyourhopefullyonthegracethatwillbebrought

toyouattherevelationofJesusChrist.1PETER1:8-13

INTRODUCTION

TheKingiscoming.JesusChristhascomeandwillcomeagain.ThisisthehopeoftheChurchwhomHe

purchasedwithHisblood.Jesus’comingistheeagerexpectationanddesireofHispeople.Itisourjoy

becauseHeisourtreasureandgreatestgood.Thisisthethemeof“Advent,”formedfromaLatinword

meaning“coming”or“arrival.”It’sthetraditionalcelebrationofthefirstadventofJesusinhumilityandthe

anxiousawaitingofHissecondadventinglory.Theseasonisatimeforrememberingandrejoicing,

watchingandwaiting.

HISTORYANDTRADITIONS

TheAdventseasonofficiallybeginsonthefourthSundaybeforeChristmasandcontinuesuntilChristmas

EveorDay.ThereareavarietyofwaystocelebratetheAdventseason,dependingontraditionand

background.ManypeopleuseanAdventcalendar,typicallymadeupof24“windows”containing

Scriptures,stories,poemsorgifts,tocountdownthedaysuntilChristmas.Aseachwindowisopenedand

thefinaldaydrawscloser,expectationincreases.ThisremindsusofthehopefulyetanxiouswaitingGod’s

peopleexperiencedastheylongedforthepromisedSaviortocome.

AnotherpopulartraditionismarkingtheprogressionoftheseasonthroughanAdventwreathmadeupof

fivecandles.ThissymbolisborrowedfromtheemphasisthroughoutScriptureofJesusChristbeingthe

LightoftheWorld(Matt.4:16;John1:4-9;8:12).EachweekanewcandleislitinanticipationofChristmas

Eve.Thelastcandle,calledtheChristCandle,islitonChristmasEvetorepresentJesus’firstadvent.

Throughthisthemeofever-increasinglightpenetratingthedarkness,weseeapictureofthegospel.

Regardlessofthetradition,Adventisasignificanttimeinthelifeofthechurch.It’sanopportunityfor

believerstorememberGod’spromisetosendOnewhowouldovercomesinanddeathforever.God

promisedaSavior,andHekeptthatpromiseperfectly.

USINGTHEGUIDE

Thisguidecontainsfiveweeksofmaterial,withbothastudytocompleteonyourownaswellasaplanto

helpfamiliestalkabouttheAdventnarrativetogether.Thefamilyportionsaredesignedtoworkforfamilies

ofallshapesandsizesanddonotrequireextensivepreparation.Eitherportionoftheguidecanalsobe

usedtofacilitatediscussionwithfriends,roommatesorothercommunity.

TheAdventstudywalksthroughthenarrativeofJesus’birth.ItbeginsintheGardenwithGod’spromiseof

aSaviorandendswithaneageranticipationofJesus’promisedreturn.Inthemiddle,GodshowsHis

unmistakablefaithfulnessinsendingthepromisedRescuer.WeseeHisloveforthelowlyandoutcastasHe

proclaimsthenewsofHisSontotheshepherds.WemarvelatHishearttoseeallnationscomeandworship

HisSonthroughtheMagi’sjourney.

EvenifyouknowtheAdventnarrativewell,don’trushpastwhatGodhasforyouinthisseason.Formany,

thismaybethefirsttimetoconsiderallthatGodissayingthroughthebirthofHisSon.Forothers,itwillbe

anopportunitytorediscoverthewayGodintimatelyworksinthedetailsoflifeforHisgloryandthegoodof

man.Forallofus,maythisseasonbeonemarkedbyhope,expectation,remembranceandworship.The

Kinghascomeandiscoming!Thereismuchtocelebrate.

ANOTEFORFAMILIES

AdventisanopportunitytopauseandreflectonthebirthofJesus.Butespeciallyforfamilies,thistimeof

yearcanbefilledtothebrimwithactivitiesandobligations.Beforethecalendarbeginstooverflow,set

asideafewminutestoconsiderwhatyouwantthisseasontobeforyourfamily.Thenmakeaplansothata

timeintendedtorememberandcelebratedoesn’tgetswallowedupbylesserthings.

Tohelptowardthatend,wehaveprovidedafamilyportioneachweekthatwillhelpyoucreateintentional

timetotalkaboutJesus.IfyouchoosetousetheAdventwreathastheguidesuggests,putitinaspecial,

visibleplaceinthehousetoserveasareminderofJesus’coming.Thereisalsoasongeachweekforyour

familytosingorlistentotogether.ThesesongsareavailableonourAdventplaylistpostedtoSpotify.

Wewrotethefamilyportionsoftheguidewithpreschoolandelementary-agedchildreninmind.Ifyou

haveolderchildren,considerhavingeachpersonworkthroughthe“PersonalStudy”sectioninplaceof

readingthefamilycommentary,andthencometogethertotalkaboutwhatyoulearned.

Iwillputenmitybetweenyouandthewoman,andbetweenyouroffspringandheroffspring;heshallbruiseyourhead,andyoushallbruisehisheel.

GENESIS3:15

Buttherewillbenogloomforherwhowasinanguish.IntheformertimehebroughtintocontemptthelandofZebulunandthelandofNaphtali,butinthelattertimehehasmadegloriousthewayofthe

sea,thelandbeyondtheJordan,Galileeofthenations.Thepeoplewhowalkedindarknesshaveseenagreatlight;

thosewhodweltinalandofdeepdarkness,onthemhaslightshone.Youhavemultipliedthenation;youhaveincreaseditsjoy;

theyrejoicebeforeyouaswithjoyattheharvest,astheyaregladwhentheydividethespoil.Fortheyokeofhisburden,andthestaffforhisshoulder,

therodofhisoppressor,youhavebrokenasonthedayofMidian.Foreverybootofthetrampingwarriorinbattletumultandeverygarmentrolledinbloodwillbe

burnedasfuelforthefire.Fortousachildisborn,tousasonisgiven;andthegovernmentshallbeuponhisshoulder,

andhisnameshallbecalledWonderfulCounselor,MightyGod,EverlastingFather,PrinceofPeace.Oftheincreaseofhisgovernmentandofpeacetherewillbenoend,

onthethroneofDavidandoverhiskingdom,toestablishitandtoupholditwithjusticeandwithrighteousnessfromthistimeforthandforevermore.

ThezealoftheLORDofhostswilldothis.ISAIAH9:1-7

Thinkofatimewhenyouwereintroubleandneededtoberescued.Howdidyoufeelinthatsituation?Whomdidyoulooktoforhelp?

Week#1ThePromiseofaSavior

PersonalStudy(November27-December3)

AdventintheBeginningManyofusgrewupwiththestoryofAdventbeginninginastable.But,thestorybeginsinaGarden.WhenGodcreatedtheworld,allthingswerejustastheyshouldbe.CreationfunctionedinperfectorderaccordingtoGod’sbeautifuldesign.ManwalkedinunbrokenrelationshipwithGod,fullyknownandunafraid.Butinaninstant,allthatchangedasAdamandEvedisobeyedGod’sgoodinstruction.Theytookofthefruitandate,andsinenteredtheworld.Fellowshipbroken.Peaceshattered.Creationthrownintochaos.Darkness,depravity,fear,shameandselfishnessfloodedthehumanheart,separatingmanfromGod.Thesituationwasdire.Butrightthen,amidthedarkness,Godspokeawordofhope:aSaviorwouldcome,bornofawoman,todefeattheenemyanddeliverGod’speople.ScholarsrefertoGenesis3:15astheprotoeuangelionorthe“firstgospel.”Fromthefirstmomentofourneedforrescue,God’spromisewasthere.BeforeHeaddressedAdamandEve,Godturnedtotheserpentandannouncedthatsinwouldnothavethefinalsayandthattheschemesoftheenemywouldnotprevail.Shadows,HintsandWhispersofHisComingThroughouttheOldTestament,GodspoketoHispeopleaboutthispromiseandgavethemthingstowatchforinordertorecognizetheSavior’scoming.GodrevealedthattheMessiahwouldbeborninthelineofDavid(Isa.9:6-7),ofthetribeofJudah(Gen.49:10)andinthetownofBethlehem(Mic.5:2).HewouldbeaManofSorrows—crushed,despisedandrejected—justifyingmanythroughwhatHesuffered(Isa.53).ThepromisedDelivererwouldbealightovercomingdarkness(Isa.9:2),aPreacherofGoodNewstothepoor(Isa.61)andOnewalkinginthepoweroftheSpirit(Isa.42:1).TherewerehintsandshadowsofHimeverywhere.GodalsoremindedHispeoplenottoloseheartastheywaitedfortheSaviortocome.It’simportanttorememberthatGoddidnotfulfillHispromiserightaway.Hispeoplewaitedalongtime.TheyspokeofthepromisedRescuerfromgenerationtogeneration,enduringcyclesofwar,rebellion,captivityandrestoration.Theywatchedandwaited—anxiously,expectantly—forGod’sfaithfulness.Wecanallidentifywithfeelinghopeless,helplessandindesperateneedofrescue,especiallywhenitcomestotheweightofsin.Heavyandinescapable,weknowitseffectswitheverybreath—bothourownsinandthatofothers.Ourworldisfullofevidencethatsomethingiswrongandneedstobemaderight.ThereasonwecelebrateAdventisbecausethestoryoftheGardendoesn’tendwithman’srebellion—butinsteadhisredemption.

ReflectionConsiderthewayGodusedMosestodeliverHispeoplefrombondageinEgypt(Ex.12-14).WasthereanywayfortheIsraelitestoescapetheirslaveryapartfromGod’sprovisionandpower?Howissinanevenharsher,moreoppressivemasterthanPharaoh?Whatisouronlyhopeofdeliverance?ThinkaboutIsrael’slongwaitforthepromisedSaviortocome.HowdoyouthinkGod’speoplefoughtagainstdoubt,discouragementandthetemptationtobelieveGodforgotthem?Godoftengivesusseasonsofwaitingtosiftandstrengthenourfaith.Ifyouareinaseasonofwaiting,whatmighttheLordbeteachingyou?GodrevealsmanythingsaboutHisnatureandcharacterthroughthebirthofHisSon.WhatattributesofGoddoyouseeinthispartoftheAdventnarrative?ResponseWhatisonehopeyouhaveforyourself,yourfamilyoryourcommunityasyoubegintheAdventseason?Howwillyoumakethatareality?Prayforyourselfandthosearoundyou,askingGodtoopenyoureyesandhearttowhatHehasforyouthisAdventseason.SongsoftheSeasonOCome,OComeEmmanuelCome,ThouLongExpectedJesus

SetasidetenminutesonenightthisweektotalkaboutGod’spromisetorescueHischildrenfromsin.Theonlymaterialsneededarefivecandles,matchesandaBible.LightingoftheAdventCandleHaveonememberofthefamilylightthefirstcandle.ScriptureReadingHaveonepersonreadthefollowingpassagesoutloud.Beforetheyleftthegarden,GodwhisperedapromisetoAdamandEve:“Itwillnotalwaysbeso!Iwillcometorescueyou!AndwhenIdo,I’mgoingtodobattleagainstthesnake.I’llgetridofthesinandthedarkandthesadnessyouletinhere.I’mcomingbackforyou!”Andhewould.Oneday,Godhimselfwouldcome.Fortousachildisborn,tousasonisgiven;andthegovernmentshallbeuponhisshoulder,andhisnameshallbecalledWonderfulCounselor,MightyGod,EverlastingFather,PrinceofPeace.ISAIAH9:6ReflectionBrieflytalkaboutwhatitmeanstoberescuedfromsomething.Whenmightyouneedtobesavedfromdanger?Whomwouldyoucallupontorescueyou?Forexample,iftherewereafire,whomwouldyoucalltosaveyou?Whatarerescuerstypicallylike?Haveanadultreadthecommentarybelow.Intheverybeginning,Godcreatedaperfectworld.Therewasnosin,pain,sickness,deathorsadness.GodcreatedAdamandEvetoliveinHisperfectworldwithjoyandpeace.ButAdamandEvesinned.TheydisobeyedGod.Whentheysinned,God’sperfectworldbroke.

Week#1FamilyDiscipleshipTime

(November27-December3)

TherewasapunishmentforAdamandEve’ssin.BecauseGodisperfect,Hecannotbenearsin.SoAdamandEvewereseparatedfromGod.ThepunishmentfortheirsinwouldalsobeplacedonallhumanswhowerebornafterAdamandEve.Ask:BecauseAdamandEvedisobeyedGod,eachofusneedstoberescuedfromsomething.Whatdoweneedrescuefrom?ButbeforeAdamandEveleftGod’sperfectGarden,Godmadeapromise.GodpromisedtosendaRescuer,someonetosaveAdam,Eveandmankindfromthepunishmentofsin.HepromisedtosendJesus!GoddidnotsendJesustorescueHispeoplerightaway.GodwaitedthousandsofyearstosendtheRescuer.Duringthattime,God’speoplefacedmanyhardthings.Whiletheywaited,GodgavethemhintsandcluesabouthowJesuswouldcome,whatHewoulddoandwhatHewouldbelike.Thesehints,writteninScripturesbyprophets,wouldhelpGod’speoplewait.TheversefromIsaiahthatwereadtogetherafterlightingtheAdventcandlewaswrittenwhileGod’speoplewaitedthosethousandsofyearsfortheSavior.Duringthattime,GodmadeotherpromisestoHischildrenandkeptthosepromises.EachtimeGodmadeandkeptapromise,ithelpedHischildrentrustthatHewouldbefaithfultoHispromisetosendJesustorescuethemfromtheirsins.Ask:WhatdoyouthinkitfeltlikeforGod’speopletowaitforthepromisedRescuertocome?Somedays,God’schildrenwaitedpatiently.Somedays,theywaitedwithtearsandfrustration.Somedays,theywonderedifGodhadforgottenHispromise.ButGodcontinuedtowhisperitoverandoveragainasHischildrenwaited.Andoneday,whennoonewasexpectingit,Jesuswouldcome.Godshowsusmanythingsaboutwhat’sHe’slikethroughthebirthofJesus.HowdoyouseethatGodistheDeliverer,thatHerescuesHischildren,inthispartoftheAdventnarrative?WhatotherattributesofGoddoyousee?PrayerHaveonefamilymembersayaprayertothankGodforHisgoodnessandmercyinsendingJesustorescueusfromoursins.

SongAsafamily,singorlistento“Come,ThouLongExpectedJesus.”Asyoudo,readcarefullythroughthelyricsandexplainanywordsthatmightbeunfamiliartoyourkids.AskthemwhattheylearnaboutJesusfromthissong.Come,ThoulongexpectedJesusBorntosetThypeoplefree;Fromourfearsandsinsreleaseus,LetusfindourrestinThee.Israel’sStrengthandConsolation,HopeofalltheearthThouart;DearDesireofeverynation,Joyofeverylongingheart.BornThypeopletodeliver,BornachildandyetaKing,Borntoreigninusforever,NowThygraciouskingdombring.ByThineowneternalSpiritRuleinallourheartsalone;ByThineallsufficientmerit,RaiseustoThygloriousthrone.FamilyActivityParents,makeplansforafunChristmasactivitynextweekthatyouknowyourchildrenwilllove.Perhapsit’sseeingaChristmasplayormovie,decoratingcookiestogetherorseeingChristmaslights.AttheendofyourfamilyAdventtime,promiseyourkidsthatyouaregoingtodosomethingspecialtogethertocelebrateAdvent—somethingtheywilllove—butdon’ttellthemwhatorwhen.Asthedaysgoby,remindthemofyourpromiseandgivethemhintsastowhatitmightbe.Lettheirexpectationandexcitementgrowthroughouttheweek.UsethisopportunitytoremindthemofGod’spromisetosendaRescuerandtheanticipationGod’speoplefeltastheywaited.AdditionalActivitiesCreateanAdventwreathtousethroughouttheAdventseason.CreateanativityscenetousethroughouttheAdventseason.Ifyouwouldliketomakethisactivitylasttheentireseason,considercreatingjustthestable,animalsandMaryandJosephthisweek.

Butyou,OBethlehemEphrathah,whoaretoolittletobeamongtheclansofJudah,

fromyoushallcomeforthformeonewhoistoberulerinIsrael,whosecomingforthisfromofold,fromancientdays.

MICAH5:2InthosedaysadecreewentoutfromCaesarAugustusthatalltheworldshouldberegistered.ThiswasthefirstregistrationwhenQuiriniuswasgovernorofSyria.Andallwenttoberegistered,eachtohisowntown.AndJosephalsowentupfromGalilee,fromthetownofNazareth,toJudea,tothecityofDavid,whichiscalledBethlehem,becausehewasofthehouseandlineageofDavid,toberegisteredwithMary,hisbetrothed,whowaswithchild.Andwhiletheywerethere,thetimecameforhertogivebirth.Andshegavebirthtoherfirstbornsonandwrappedhiminswaddlingclothsandlaidhimina

manger,becausetherewasnoplaceforthemintheinn.LUKE2:1-7

Describeatimewhenyoulookedforwardtoaneventforalongtime.Whatemotionsdidyoufeelasyouwaited?Howdidyoufeelwhenthewaitwasfinallyover?

Week#2ThePromiseFulfilled

PersonalStudy(December4—10)

HeCameJustasHeSaidHeWouldThroughouttheOldTestament,theprophetsspokeofthepromisedSavior,tellingthepeoplehowtorecognizeHiscomingandremindingthemthatGodhadnotforgotten.TheMessiahwouldbeborninBethlehem,theSonofavirgin,aKingtoruleaccordingtothelineageofDavid,usheringinaneraofunprecedentedpeace.Israelwatchedandwaited,filledwithlongingandexpectationforthispromisedDeliverer.Andthen,onanightunassumingandnormal,Godcame—justasHesaidHewould.AyoungwomannamedMary,whowaswithchild,journeyedalongsideJoseph,herbetrothed,fromNazarethtoBethlehemtobecountedforthecensusaccordingtoCaesar’sdecree.ThecoupleenteredthesleepyJudeantown,filledtothebrimwiththedescendantsofDavid,andtookrefugeintheonlyplaceavailable:astable.Andwhenthefullnessoftimehadcome,Marygavebirthtoherfirstbornson.Hewaswrappedincloths,laidinamangerandgiventhenameJesusbecauseHewouldsaveHispeoplefromtheirsins.Andjustlikethat,awhisperintheBethlehemnight,aChildwasborn,aSonwasgiven.Fourhundredandfiftyyearsofsilencehadpassedsincethefinalwordsoftheprophets.Atlonglast,acryofdeliverancewasheardagain,utteredfromthelipsoftheWordMadeFlesh.Thisnewborn’scrypiercedthemidnightskylikeatrumpetheraldingsin’sdemiseandthedefeatofdeathforeverforallwhowouldbelieve.TheAncientofDayssteppedintotimeandwrappedHimselfinthefrailtyofhumanskin.Hecame,fullofpity,compassionandpower,torescuethoselostindarknessandcarrythemintothekingdomofeverlastinglight.Hecame,justasHesaidHewould,todowhatwenevercould.Withhindsight,weseeinJesusthefulfillmentofallthattheprophetsspokeconcerningtheMessiah.WeunderstandthatourLordhasdonejustwhatHesaidHewoulddoinexactlytherightway,atexactlytherighttime.WealsoseethatGodisfullofcompassion.HesawthedesperateneedofHispeople.HecaredandactedbysendingHisonlySontosavethem.Mayourheartsbeencouraged!LetAdventbeatimetoreflectonGod’sgoodattributesandHisfaithfulnesstodoexactlywhatHesaidHewould.

ReflectionConsiderthepropheciesfromIsaiah9:1-7andMicah5:2.HowdoyouseethesefulfilledinJesus’birth?ThinkaboutthecircumstancesthatledMaryandJosephtoBethlehem.WhatdotheyshowyouaboutGod’ssovereignty?TheOldTestamentcontainsmanypropheciespointingnotjusttoJesus’birthbutalsotothesalvationHewouldaccomplish.Lookupthepassagesbelowandseehowtheyillustratethistruth.OTProphecy NTFulfillmentGenesis3:15 Romans5:6-8;Galatians4:4-7;Colossians2:13-15Isaiah9:2 Matthew4:12-17;John1:4-5;12:46Isaiah53:10-11 Romans5:1-2Isaiah53:4 Matthew8:14-17Isaiah61:1-4 Luke4:16-21GodrevealsmanythingsaboutHisnatureandcharacterthroughthebirthofHisSon.WhatattributesofGoddoyouseeinthispartoftheAdventnarrative?ResponseAsyoumakeyourlistofpeopletobuygiftsfor,includesomeonewhowouldneverexpecttoreceiveagiftfromyou.ThinkofthedelightyoufeelinblessingthemandconsidertheloveinGod’sheartasHesentHisSontodieforsinners.Inprayer,thankGodforHisgoodnessinsendingaSavior.ConfessplaceswhereyourconfidenceinHisfaithfulnessisweakandaskHimforincreasedtrust,beliefandhope.SongsoftheSeasonOHolyNightSilentNightGodRestYeMerryGentlemen

SetasidetenminutesonenightthisweektotalkaboutGod’smercyinsendingaSavior.Theonlymaterialsneededarefivecandles,matchesandaBible.LightingoftheAdventCandleHaveonememberofthefamilylightlastweek’scandleandasecondcandle.ScriptureReadingHaveonepersonreadthefollowingpassagesoutloud.Andallwenttoberegistered,eachtohisowntown.AndJosephalsowentupfromGalilee,fromthetownofNazareth,toJudea,tothecityofDavid,whichiscalledBethlehem,becausehewasofthehouseandlineageofDavid,toberegisteredwithMary,hisbetrothed,whowaswithchild.Andwhiletheywerethere,thetimecameforhertogivebirth.Andshegavebirthtoherfirstbornsonandwrappedhiminswaddlingclothsandlaidhiminamanger,becausetherewasnoplaceforthemintheinn.LUKE2:3-7Andthere,inthestable,amongstthechickensandthedonkeysandthecows,inthequietofthenight,Godgavetheworldhiswonderfulgift.Thebabythatwouldchangetheworldwasborn.Hisbabyson.THEJESUSSTORYBOOKBIBLEReflectionHaveanadultreadthecommentarybelow.Doyourememberthepromisewetalkedaboutlastweek?God’spromisetosendaRescuer?HispromisetosendJesus?Well,Jesuscame,justlikeGodsaidHewould!

Week#2FamilyDiscipleshipTime

(December4—10)

Afterthousandsofyearsofwaiting,onanordinarynight,Jesuscame.GodgaveHispeoplehintsandcluesabouthowJesuswouldcome.HetoldthemthatJesuswouldcomefromBethlehem,beaRulerandbringpeace.Manyexpectedasoldier;someexpectedapolitician.Nooneexpectedababy.Butthat’showJesuscame.Ask:IfyouhadbeenanIsraelite,howwouldyouhaveexpectedthepromisedSaviortocome?MaryandJosephlivedinatowncalledNazareth.Oneday,thekinggaveanorderthateveryonewastogobacktotheirhometowntobecountedforsomethingcalledacensus.MaryandJosephtraveledalongwaytothetownofBethlehem,whereJoseph’sfamilywasfrom.WhentheygottoBethlehem,thetownwasfullofothertravelers,andtherewasnowhereforMaryandJosephtostay.Sotheyfoundastabletosleepin.Whiletheywerethere,thetimecameforMarytohaveherbaby,andJesus,theSavior,wasborn.Ask:HowdoyouthinkJosephandMaryfeltwhentheyfinallygottoBethlehemandrealizedtheyhadnowheretostay?DoyouthinkGodknewthattheyfeltthisway?Jesus,theKingofheaven,leftHisperfecthometobebornababytoayoungmanandwoman.Hebecamefragileandhelpless.Hisroomthatnightwasastable—dirty,smellyandfullofnoisyanimals.Hisbedwasnotkinglyandluxurious;itwasafeedboxthatanimalsateoutof.Maryhadtowipeold,rottenfoodoutofthemangerandcoveritwithpokystrawbeforeshelaidhertinybabyinit.Ask:IsastabletheplaceyouwouldexpecttheSaviortobeborn?WhydoyouthinkGoddecidedforHisoneandonlySontobebornthere?ButeverythingthathappenedthatnightwasexactlywhatGodhadplannedandpromised.Jesuscame,justlikeGodsaidHewould.Godsawthatweneededtoberescuedfromsin.Hecaredaboutusinourneed,andHeacted.HesentJesus.Theeventsofthatnight,inthatstableinthelittletownofBethlehem,wouldchangetheworldforever.Godshowsusmanythingsaboutwhat’sHe’slikeinthebirthofJesus.HowdoyouseethatGodiscompassionate—thatHesees,caresandactswhenHischildrenareinneed—inthispartoftheAdventnarrative?WhatotherattributesofGoddoyousee?PrayerHaveonefamilymembersayaprayertothankGodforsendingJesustobebornasababywhowouldsaveusfromoursins.

SongAsafamily,singorlistento“AwayinaManger.”Asyoudo,readcarefullythroughthelyricsandexplainanywordsthatmightbeunfamiliartoyourkids.AskthemwhattheylearnaboutJesusfromthissong.Awayinamanger,nocribforabedThelittleLordJesuslaiddownHissweethead.ThestarsintheskylookeddownwhereHelay,ThelittleLordJesus,asleeponthehay.FamilyActivityThisweek,keepthepromiseyoumadetoyourfamilyduringlastweek’sfamilyAdventtime.Talkabouthowyoufulfilledthehintsandcluesyougavethem.Discusstheexperienceofwaiting:Whatwasitliketowait?Whatwasitliketofinallyexperiencewhatyouhadbeenwaitingandhopingfor?RemembertogetherGod’sfaithfulnessinsendingaSavior.IthappenedjustasHesaiditwould.AdditionalActivitiesContinuemakingyournativityset.Thisweek,createthebabyJesuspieceandaddittotheset.CreateasetofornamentsthatshowtheOldTestamentpropheciesofJesus’birthandtheirfulfillmentsintheNewTestament.CreateanativitysceneoutofLegos.UseasockandstuffingtocreateababyJesusdoll,wrappedinfabricscraps.Makeamangerforthedolloutofapapersack.LetyourpreschoolercareforbabyJesusandhavehim/heruseittoretellJesus’birthstorythroughouttheweek.

Andinthesameregiontherewereshepherdsoutinthefield,keepingwatchovertheirflockbynight.AndanangeloftheLordappearedtothem,andthegloryoftheLordshonearoundthem,andthey

werefilledwithgreatfear.Andtheangelsaidtothem,“Fearnot,forbehold,Ibringyougoodnewsofgreatjoythatwillbeforallthepeople.ForuntoyouisbornthisdayinthecityofDavidaSavior,whoisChristtheLord.Andthiswillbeasignforyou:youwillfindababywrappedinswaddlingclothsand

lyinginamanger.”AndsuddenlytherewaswiththeangelamultitudeoftheheavenlyhostpraisingGodandsaying,

“GlorytoGodinthehighest,

andonearthpeaceamongthosewithwhomheispleased!”

Whentheangelswentawayfromthemintoheaven,theshepherdssaidtooneanother,“LetusgoovertoBethlehemandseethisthingthathashappened,whichtheLordhasmadeknowntous.”AndtheywentwithhasteandfoundMaryandJoseph,andthebabylyinginamanger.Andwhentheysawit,theymadeknownthesayingthathadbeentoldthemconcerningthischild.Andallwhoheardit

wonderedatwhattheshepherdstoldthem.ButMarytreasuredupallthesethings,ponderingtheminherheart.Andtheshepherdsreturned,glorifyingandpraisingGodforalltheyhadheardandseen,asit

hadbeentoldthem.LUKE2:8-20

Howthenwilltheycallonhiminwhomtheyhavenotbelieved?Andhowaretheytobelieveinhimofwhomtheyhaveneverheard?Andhowaretheytohearwithoutsomeonepreaching?Andhowaretheytopreachunlesstheyaresent?Asitiswritten,“Howbeautifularethefeetofthosewhopreach

thegoodnews!”ROMANS10:14-15

Whoisthefirstpersonyoutellwhenyouhearorexperiencesomethinggood?

Week#3ThePromiseAnnounced

PersonalStudy(December11—17)

TellofHisComingWelovehearinggoodnews,especiallywhenwe’rethefirsttoknow.There’sabigdifferencebetweengettingaphonecallfromyourbestfriendabouttheirpregnancy,engagementornewjobandfindingoutaboutitonFacebook.Wecherishbeinginvitedtoparticipateinthelivesofthepeopleweloveinsteadofsimplybeingspectators.Today,theabilitytoshareexcitingnewswithothersisquickandeasy.Withonetweet,post,hashtagorgrouptext,wecancommunicatewiththemasses.ButthingswereobviouslyverydifferentinthetimeJesuswasborn.Whensomethingimportanthappened,suchasthebirthofachild,heraldsoftenspreadthatnews.Familieswelcomingnewbabies,iftheyhadthemeanstodoso,wouldhiresomeonetogothroughoutthecommunityandannouncetheirhappynews.MaryandJoseph,ofhumblemeans,didnothavetheabilitytodothis.ButGodHimselfprovidedacompanyofheavenlyheraldstoproclaimthebirthofHisoneandonlySon.Imaginethescene:shepherdsonthemidnightwatch,earsandeyesopenforsignsofdanger,sheepbleatinginthebackground.Andthen,outofnowhere,anangeloftheLordburstsontothescenewiththenewsoftheSavior’sbirth.ItisamazingthatGodchosethisgroupofmenasthefirsttohearthegoodnews.InthetimeofJesus’birth,peopleregardedshepherdsasliarsandthieves.Becausetheywerenomadic,movingfromplacetoplacetograzetheirflocks,peopledidn’treadilytrustthem.YetitwastomensuchasthisthatGodannouncedtheMessiah’scoming.Hetoldthemfirst!Notroyalty,notthereligiousleadersoftheday,butshepherds—lowlyandinsignificant.HeinvitedthemintoHisstoryandthenmobilizedthemastheveryfirstevangelists.AssoonastheyheardnewsofJesus’birth,theshepherdsfeltcompelledtoact.Theywentwithhaste,leavingtheirflocksbehind,tofindMary,JosephandtheSaviorChildlyinginamanger.AndoncetheybeheldtheOnethroughwhomsalvationwouldcome,theyspreadthewordofallthathadtakenplace.Wearelikethesemen—unlikelyrecipientsofanunbelievablereality.JustasGodcalledtheshepherdstowitnessandtestifytoChrist’sbirth,sowearecalledtoheraldthesavingworkofHisdeathandresurrection.Asbelievers,wehavebeeninvitedintoHisstory,sentoutasheraldsofbothJesus’firstcomingandHissecond.Asweconsidertheshepherds,letusrespondastheydidtothisgoodnewsofgreatjoy—withamazement,beliefandaction.ReflectionHowdidyoufirsthearthegospel?Whotoldyou,andhowdidyourespond?GoddoesnotneedmessengerstocommunicateHisgospel.WhydoyouthinkHechargedtheshepherdswithsharingthegoodnewsofJesus’birth?WhydoyouthinkHechargesuswithsharingthegoodnewsofsalvation?

DidsharingthenewsofJesus’birthfeellikeaburdenorajoytotheshepherds?Why?Howdoyoufeelaboutsharingthegospel?Whatmighthelpyouconsistentlyviewitasajoyfulcalling?WhatfearskeepyoufromsharingthenewsthatJesushascometosavesinners?LookupColossians1:3-6.Howmighttheassuranceinthispassageincreaseyourboldness?Throughtheproclamationoftheangels,GodshowedHisgreatnessandworthtotheshepherds.WhendoyourememberfirstsensingthebeautyofGod’sglory?GodrevealsmanythingsaboutHisnatureandcharacterthroughthebirthofHisSon.WhatattributesofGoddoyouseeinthispartoftheAdventnarrative?ResponseWritealettertosomeonewhowasinstrumentalinyourcomingtofaith.Whetherornotyoucanactuallysendthemthatletter,communicatehowtheLordusedthemtochangeyourheartandlife.Inprayer,praiseGodforlovingtheweak,despisedandlowlyandshowingthemHisglory.ThankHimforthepersonormeansHeusedtosharethegospelwithyou,andaskHimfortheboldnessandfaithtodothesame.SongsoftheSeasonHark!TheHeraldAngelsSingAngelsWeHaveHeardonHighWhileShepherdsKeptTheirWatchbyNightComeYeLofty,ComeYeLowly

SetasidetenminutesonenightthisweektotalkabouthowGodshowedHisglorytotheshepherdsonthenightJesuswasborn.Theonlymaterialsneededarefivecandles,matchesandaBible.LightingoftheAdventCandleHaveonememberofthefamilylightthecandlesfromthefirsttwoweeksandathirdcandle.ScriptureReadingHaveonepersonreadthefollowingpassagesoutloud.Andinthesameregiontherewereshepherdsoutinthefield,keepingwatchovertheirflockbynight.AndanangeloftheLordappearedtothem,andthegloryoftheLordshonearoundthem,andtheywerefilledwithgreatfear.Andtheangelsaidtothem,“Fearnot,forbehold,Ibringyougoodnewsofgreatjoythatwillbeforallthepeople.ForuntoyouisbornthisdayinthecityofDavidaSavior,whoisChristtheLord.Andthiswillbeasignforyou:youwillfindababywrappedinswaddlingclothsandlyinginamanger.”LUKE2:8-12Behindtheangeltheysawastrangeglowingcloud–exceptitwasn’tacloud,itwasangels...troopsandtroopsofangels,armedwithlight!Andtheyweresingingabeautifulsong:“GlorytoGod!ToGodbeFameandHonorandallourHoorays!”THEJESUSSTORYBOOKBIBLEWhentheangelswentawayfromthemintoheaven,theshepherdssaidtooneanother,“LetusgoovertoBethlehemandseethisthingthathashappened,whichtheLordhasmadeknowntous.”AndtheywentwithhasteandfoundMaryandJoseph,andthebabylyinginamanger.Andwhentheysawit,theymadeknownthesayingthathadbeentoldthemconcerningthischild.LUKE2:15-17

Week#3FamilyDiscipleshipTime

(December11—17)

ReflectionHaveanadultreadthecommentarybelow.AsMaryandJosephheldtheirnewbornSonduringthoselatehoursofthenight,GodbeganspreadingthewonderfulnewsofJesus’birth.AndHebeganwithanunusualgroupofpeople.Ask:WhomwouldyouexpectGodtotellfirstthatthepromisedRescuerhadcome?Kings,queensandreligiousleaderswerenotthefirstpeopletohearaboutthebirthofJesus.Instead,GodtoldthemostunimportantofpeopleHisgoodnewsfirst.Backinthosedays,peoplelookeddownonshepherdsandevenhatedthem.Mostpeopleconsideredthemcriminals,thievesandliars.YetthesewerethefirstpeopletohearthattheRescuerhadcome.Andthewaytheyheardthatgoodnewswasnothingshortofamazing.WhiletheshepherdswatchedtheirsheepinafieldoutsideofBethlehem,anangelappeared.TheBibletellsusthattheshepherdswerefilledwithgreatfear.Thisangelthatappearedtothemwasnobabywithwingsandaharpsittingonacloud,likesomestoriesmightdescribe.No,thisangelwasawarrioroftheLord.AndheshonewiththegloryofGod.Thebrightradianceofheavenitselfinterruptedthedeepdarknessofthenight.ItwasasifGodpeeledbackthecurtainofheavenandgavetheshepherdsasmallglimpseofHimself.Ask:HowdoyouthinktheshepherdsreactedwhentheysawtheangeloftheLord?Theangeltoldtheshepherdsnottobeafraid.GoddidwhatHehadpromised—HesentJesustorescueGod’speoplefromtheirsins.GodwasmakingpeacebetweenHimselfandsinnersthroughJesus.UpontellingtheshepherdsthegoodnewsofJesus’birthandhowtofindHim,theangelwasjoinedbythousandsofotherangelswhobegansingingaboutthegreatnessofGod.Thatdark,quietnightskywasfilledwithabeautiful,blindinglightandroaringsongthatlefttheshepherdsforeverchanged.Oncetheyhadheardthenews,theshepherdsweredesperatetogoandfindJesusandseethemarvelousthingthatGodhaddone.Ask:Whatisthegreatestnewssomeonehaseversharedwithyou?Whatdidyouwanttodoinresponse?SotheshepherdsabandonedtheirsheepandracedtoBethlehem.OncetheysawbabyJesusthereinthemanger,theyleftthestableandbegantellingeveryonetheysawthegoodnewsthattheSaviorhadcome.Godusedthisgroupofmen—meneveryonedespised—totelltheworldthatJesushadcome.AsJesuswoulddothroughoutHislife,Godwascomingtosinnerstoshowthemthewaytosalvation.Ask:Howcanwebeliketheshepherds?Asafamily,whomcanwetellthatJesuscametosavesinners?

Godshowsusmanythingsaboutwhat’sHe’slikethroughthebirthofJesus.HowdoyouseethatGodisglorious—thatHeshowsHisgreatnessandworth—inthispartoftheAdventnarrative?WhatotherattributesofGoddoyousee?PrayerHaveonefamilymembersayaprayertothankGodforsendingangelstosharethegoodnewsofJesus’birthtosinnersjustlikeus.SongAsafamily,singorlistento“Hark!TheHeraldAngelsSing.”Asyoudo,readcarefullythroughthelyricsandexplainanywordsthatmightbeunfamiliartoyourkids.AskthemwhattheylearnaboutJesusfromthissong.Hark!theheraldangelssing,“GlorytothenewbornKing!”Peaceonearth,andmercymild,Godandsinnersreconciled.Joyful,allyenations,rise,Jointhetriumphoftheskies;Withth’angelichostproclaim,“ChristisborninBethlehem.”Hark!theheraldangelssing,“GlorytothenewbornKing!”Christ,byhighestheav’nadored:Christ,theeverlastingLord;LateintimebeholdHimcome,Offspringofthefavoredone.Veil’dinflesh,theGodheadsee;Hail,th’incarnateDeity:Pleased,asman,withmentodwell,Jesus,ourEmmanuel!Hark!theheraldangelssing,“GlorytothenewbornKing!”Hail!theheav’nbornPrinceofPeace!Hail!theSonofRighteousness!LightandlifetoallHebrings,RisenwithhealinginHiswings.

MildHelaysHisgloryby,Bornthatmannomoremaydie:Borntoraisethesonsofearth,Borntogivethemsecondbirth.Hark!theheraldangelssing,“GlorytothenewbornKing!”FamilyActivityOnenightthisweek,gooutcarolingasafamily.Asyouvisithomesofneighbors,friendsandfamily,singsongsofpraiseaboutthebirthandsalvationofJesus.ItmightbeeasiesttostartatthehomeofsomeoneyouknowwholovesJesusasyoudo.SingpraisestoGodandinvitethemtojoinyouatthenexthouse.MakesureyouvisitatleastonehomeofpeoplewhodonotloveandtrustJesus.JustlikeGodshowedgraceandlovetothelowliestofsinners,sharethegoodnewsofJesus’birthwithsomeonewhodoesnotknowGod.MaybethatpersonwillhearthegoodnewsandwillbelieveinJesus.AdditionalActivitiesContinuemakingyournativityset.Thisweek,createtheshepherdsandangelpiecesandaddthemtotheset.Spendtimeimaginingwhatthe“gloryoftheLord”shiningdownontheshepherdswaslike.Drawwhatyouthinkitlookedlike.Orturnoffthelightsandrecreateitwithflashlights,candles,propsandloudsinging.Draworpaintwhatyouthinkthenightskymighthavelookedlikewhentheangelsappearedtotheshepherds.

NowafterJesuswasborninBethlehemofJudeainthedaysofHerodtheking,behold,wisemenfromtheeastcametoJerusalem,saying,“WhereishewhohasbeenbornkingoftheJews?Forwesawhisstarwhenitroseandhavecometoworshiphim.”WhenHerodthekingheardthis,hewastroubled,

andallJerusalemwithhim;andassemblingallthechiefpriestsandscribesofthepeople,heinquiredofthemwheretheChristwastobeborn.Theytoldhim,“InBethlehemofJudea,forsoitiswrittenbythe

prophet:

‘Andyou,OBethlehem,inthelandofJudah,arebynomeansleastamongtherulersofJudah;forfromyoushallcomearulerwhowillshepherdmypeopleIsrael.’”

ThenHerodsummonedthewisemensecretlyandascertainedfromthemwhattimethestarhad

appeared.AndhesentthemtoBethlehem,saying,“Goandsearchdiligentlyforthechild,andwhenyouhavefoundhim,bringmeword,thatItoomaycomeandworshiphim.”

Afterlisteningtotheking,theywentontheirway.Andbehold,thestarthattheyhadseenwhenitrosewentbeforethemuntilitcametorestovertheplacewherethechildwas.Whentheysawthestar,theyrejoicedexceedinglywithgreatjoy.AndgoingintothehousetheysawthechildwithMaryhismother,andtheyfelldownandworshipedhim.Then,openingtheirtreasures,theyofferedhimgifts,goldandfrankincenseandmyrrh.AndbeingwarnedinadreamnottoreturntoHerod,theydepartedtotheir

owncountrybyanotherway.MATTHEW2:1-12

Whatisthefarthestyouhaveevertraveledfromhome?Howdiditfeeltobeoutsideyournormalsetting?Whatmadeyouuncomfortable?Whatdidyoufindinterestingandnew?Howdidtheexperiencechangethewayyouunderstandtheworld?

Week#4ThePromiseforAllPeoples

PersonalStudy(December18—24)

ThePromiseforAllPeoplesMagiwerementrainedinastrology,dreaminterpretationandothermysteries.Theystudiedtheskyandknewthestarsandtheirsignificance.TheMagimentionedinMatthew2livedintheEast,probablynearPersia.Wedonotknowtheirexactidentityandorigin.WhatwedoknowisthattheywerenotJews—theywereGentiles.ItispossiblethatthesemenheardofthepromisedSaviorfromJewsresidingintheirlandduringtheBabyloniancaptivity.WhentheysawthestarsignifyingHisbirth,theylefttheirhomeforJerusalem,embarkingonajourneytofindthenewbornKingandworshipHim.AtleasttwothingsarestrikingabouttheeventsthatunfoldinMatthew2.ThefirstisthatthesemenwereGentiles.TheywerenotofIsrael,notdescendantsofAbraham.WhyshouldthebirthoftheMessiahmattertothem?ThesecondisthatGodwastheOnewhoannouncedthebirthofHisSontotheGentileworld.GodappointedastartoheraldthenewsofJesus’coming.GodsetthatstarinthesightoftheseMagi.GodusedthatstartoleadthemtoHisSonsotheycouldworshipHimastherightfulKing.ThissceneintheAdventnarrativewhispersofanincrediblemercy:GodrevealsHisSonandextendssalvationtothenations.Menandwomenfromeverypeople,tribeandtonguewilltastethehoney-likesweetnessofJesus’nameupontheirlips,confessingHimasLordandworshipingHimasKing.Jesusisworthy.OnlyHedeservestheglory,honorandpraiseofthenations.InthesamewayGodsetastarintheskytoleadtheMagitoJesus,HeplacesHischildrenintheirneighborhoods,workplaces,PTAmeetingsandlecturehallstodothesame.Youdon’thavetogooverseastoimpactthenations.Godbringsthemtoourdoorstep—refugees,internationalstudents,thoseinsearchofgreateropportunitiesandfreedom.Thenationsmayverywelllivenextdoor.BeingpartofGod’sglobalpurposesmaybeassimpleasreachingouttopeopleHehasplacedinyoureverydaylife.OryoumayindeedgototheendsoftheearthandhappilyheraldthegoodnewstothosewhohaveneverheardbecauseGodisworthyoftheirworship.Theworldisbig,andthegospelisnotanAmericanidea.Thegospelhasbeenproclaimedtoustoo;themercyofGodextendedtotheGentilesmeansthatmercyhasbeenextendedtous.ThestoryoftheMagistirsourheartstolookbeyondourfamiliarcomfortsandrememberthatitisourjoyfuldutytobringthatgospeltoallnationsforthegloryofGod.WewanttobeapartofwhatGodisdoingasHecontinuestodrawmen,womenandchildrenfromallnationstocomeandworshipHisSon.ReflectionLookupPsalm86:9.Whatpromisedoyouseeinthisverse?WhatreassurancedoesthestoryoftheMagigiveusaboutthespreadingofthegospel?Howshouldthestorychallengeusasthosewhoarecalledtotellthegoodnews?

WhatcommonreasonsdoChristiansgivefornotspreadingthegospeltoallnations?Areanyofthesereasonsvalid?HowisbeingcompelledbythegloryandworthofGodmorepowerfulthanbeingmotivatedbyguiltordutywhenitcomestoreachingthenations?LookupEphesians2:11-17.Inthispassage,whoare“thosewhowerefaroff”?Arepeopleinforeigncountriesfartherofffromthegospelthanyouwerewhenyoufirstheardit?Explain.WhatistheprimarymeansGodusestomakedisciplesofallnations?Howcanyoutakeanactiveroleintakingthegospeltoallnationsintheupcomingyear?Listsomespecificideas.GodrevealsmanythingsaboutHisnatureandcharacterthroughthebirthofHisSon.WhatattributesofGoddoyouseeinthispartoftheAdventnarrative?ResponseThinkofsomeoneyouknowwhoisactivelyinvolvedinreachingthenationswiththegospel.Taketimethisweektoprayforthembynameandwritethemanencouragingemailorletter.Inthenextfewweeks,noticehowmanypeoplefromothernationalitiesyouseeintherhythmofyoureverydaylife.AsktheLordtogiveyoufaithandfavorinbuildingrelationshipsandsharingthegospel.SongsoftheSeasonJoytotheWorldOCome,AllYeFaithfulGo!TellitontheMountainWeThreeKings

SetasidetenminutesonenightthisweektotalkabouthowonlyGodisworthyofallglory.ConsidersittingoutsideasyoutalkaboutthejourneyoftheMagi,drawingparticularattentiontothestarsinthenightskyaboveyou.Theonlymaterialsneededarefivecandles,matchesandaBible.LightingoftheAdventCandleHaveonememberofthefamilylightthecandlesfromthefirstthreeweeksandafourthcandle.ScriptureReadingHaveonepersonreadthefollowingpassagesoutloud.NowafterJesuswasborninBethlehemofJudeainthedaysofHerodtheking,behold,wisemenfromtheeastcametoJerusalem,saying,“WhereishewhohasbeenbornkingoftheJews?Forwesawhisstarwhenitroseandhavecometoworshiphim.”MATTHEW2:1-2Thejourneythathadbegunsomanycenturiesbeforehadledthreewisemenhere.Toalittletown.Toalittlehouse.Toalittlechild.TothekingGodhadpromisedDavidallthoseyearsbefore.THEJESUSSTORYBOOKBIBLEAndgoingintothehousetheysawthechildwithMaryhismother,andtheyfelldownandworshipedhim.Then,openingtheirtreasures,theyofferedhimgifts,goldandfrankincenseandmyrrh.MATTHEW2:11-12ReflectionHaveanadultreadthecommentarybelow.ThefirstpeopleGodtoldaboutJesus’birthweretheshepherds.HeusedaspectacularmassofangelstoshoutfromtheskiesthatJesushadcome.Buttheangelswerenotaloneinproclaimingthegoodnewsthatnight,andtheshepherdswerenottheonlypeopletolearnoftheRescuer’scoming.

Week#4FamilyDiscipleshipTime

(December18—23)

Thatsamenight,Godplacedaspecialstarinthesky,abrightbodyoflightthatannouncedthebirthoftheKing.Somemeninafarawaycountrysawthisstar.ThesemenwerecalledMagi.Theywereeducatedmenwhostudiedtheskiesandnature.MostscholarsbelievethesemencamefromPersia,ormodern-dayIran.Therewassomethingveryspecialaboutthesemen.ThroughouttheBible,GodpromisedtosendaRescuertosavetheIsraelitesfromtheirsins.ButtheseMagiwerenotIsraelites.TheywereGentiles.ThatmeanstheywerenotfromAbraham’sfamilyandlikelydidnotknowandworshipGod.Butthatnight,Goddidsomethingthatnooneexpected.Byplacingthatstarinthesky,Godshowedunbelievablemercytowardallpeople.InshowingtheMagithatJesus,theKingofheaven,hadbeenborn,Godwasextendingsalvationtopeopleofallnations.WhentheMagisawthespecialstarthatGodhadplacedinthesky,theylefttheirhomecountrytofindJesus.Theirjourneytookalongtime.TheydidnotarriveinBethlehemthenightJesuswasborn.Infact,itmayhavetakenthemuptotwoyearstoreachtheplacewhereJesuswas.TheBibletellsusthatwhentheMagifoundtheplacewhereJesuswaslivingwithMaryandJoseph,theyenteredthehouse,boweddownandworshipedthissmallchildwhohadcometosavesinners.TheythengaveJesusprecious,costlygifts.Ask:WhydoyouthinktheMagiwerewillingtoleavetheirhomesandfamiliesandtravelforsuchalongtimetofindJesus?WhatdidtheyknowandbelieveaboutHim?WhydoyouthinktheybroughtbabyJesussuchspecial,expensivegifts?ThroughouttheAdventstory,weseethatGodisgenerous.HesentacompanyofangelstoshoutthegoodnewsofJesus’birthtotheshepherds,andHeputaspecialstarintheskytoguidemenfromafarawaycountrytoJesus.Hedesiresthatallpeopleknow,love,trustandobeyHim.AndGodpromisesthatonedaymen,womenandchildrenfromeverytribe,tongueandnationwillworshipJesus.Godwillrescuepeoplefromallovertheworld,andwewillworshipHimasHedeserves.GodshowsusmanythingsaboutwhatHe’slikethroughthebirthofJesus.HowdoyouseethatGodisworthy—thatonlyHedeservesallglory—inthispartoftheAdventnarrative?WhatotherattributesofGoddoyousee?PrayerHaveonefamilymembersayaprayertopraiseGodandaskHimtoshowpeopleofallnationsthegoodnewsthatJesuscametosavesinners.

SongAsafamily,singorlistento“OComeAllYeFaithful.”Asyoudo,readcarefullythroughthelyricsandexplainanywordsthatmightbeunfamiliartoyourkids.AskthemwhattheylearnaboutJesusfromthissong.Ocomeallyefaithful,joyfulandtriumphantOcomeye,OcomeyetoBethlehem;ComeandbeholdHimborntheKingofangels;OcomeletusadoreHim,OcomeletusadoreHimOcomeletusadoreHim,ChristtheLord.Singchoirsofangels,singinexultationSingallyecitizensofheavenabove;GlorytoGodinthehighest:OcomeletusadoreHim,OcomeletusadoreHimOcomeletusadoreHim,ChristtheLord.Yea,Lord,wegreetThee,bornthishappymorning;Jesus,totheebeglorygiven;WordoftheFather,nowinfleshappearing:OcomeletusadoreHim,OcomeletusadoreHimOcomeletusadoreHim,ChristtheLord.FamilyActivitySpendtimethisweeklookingatamapoftheworld.Playagamewhereyounameacountryandyourkidstrytofindit.Talktogetheraboutwhatitwouldbeliketoliveinadifferentculturewithadifferentlanguageandcustoms.Pointoutplacesintheworldwherepeoplearen’tfreetoopenlyworshipJesusortalkaboutHim.Looktogetheratthelistofmissionariesonourchurchwebsite.Pickonepersonorfamilyandprayforthembyname.Ifpossible,writethemanemailornoteofencouragement.AdditionalActivitiesContinuemakingyournativityset.Thisweek,createtheMagipiecesandaddthemtotheset.Createluminariesforyourfrontyard,sidewalkorporchtoremindyourfamilyofthestarGodputintheskytotelltheMagiofJesus’birth.Takepaperlunchbagsanddraworpunchoutastaroneachbag.Fillthebottomofthebagswithsandtokeepthemfromblowingaway.Placeabattery-operatedcandleinside.

SetasidetenminutestotalkaboutGod’sfaithfulnessinsendingaSavior.Theonlymaterialsneededarefivecandles,matchesandaBible.LightingoftheAdventCandleHaveonepersonlightthecandlesfromthefirstfourweeks,rememberingtogetherwhatyou’velearnedaboutGod’sfaithfulnessduringAdvent.AfterreadingLuke2:1-20,haveanotherpersonlightthefifthcandle—theChristcandle.ScriptureReadingHaveonepersonreadthefollowingpassagesoutloud.InthosedaysadecreewentoutfromCaesarAugustusthatalltheworldshouldberegistered.ThiswasthefirstregistrationwhenQuiriniuswasgovernorofSyria.Andallwenttoberegistered,eachtohisowntown.AndJosephalsowentupfromGalilee,fromthetownofNazareth,toJudea,tothecityofDavid,whichiscalledBethlehem,becausehewasofthehouseandlineageofDavid,toberegisteredwithMary,hisbetrothed,whowaswithchild.Andwhiletheywerethere,thetimecameforhertogivebirth.Andshegavebirthtoherfirstbornsonandwrappedhiminswaddlingclothsandlaidhiminamanger,becausetherewasnoplaceforthemintheinn.Andinthesameregiontherewereshepherdsoutinthefield,keepingwatchovertheirflockbynight.AndanangeloftheLordappearedtothem,andthegloryoftheLordshonearoundthem,andtheywerefilledwithgreatfear.Andtheangelsaidtothem,“Fearnot,forbehold,Ibringyougoodnewsofgreatjoythatwillbeforallthepeople.ForuntoyouisbornthisdayinthecityofDavidaSavior,whoisChristtheLord.Andthiswillbeasignforyou:youwillfindababywrappedinswaddlingclothsandlyinginamanger.”AndsuddenlytherewaswiththeangelamultitudeoftheheavenlyhostpraisingGodandsaying,“GlorytoGodinthehighest,andonearthpeaceamongthosewithwhomheispleased!”

ChristmasEveFamilyDiscipleshipTime

(December24)

Whentheangelswentawayfromthemintoheaven,theshepherdssaidtooneanother,“LetusgoovertoBethlehemandseethisthingthathashappened,whichtheLordhasmadeknowntous.”AndtheywentwithhasteandfoundMaryandJoseph,andthebabylyinginamanger.Andwhentheysawit,theymadeknownthesayingthathadbeentoldthemconcerningthischild.Andallwhohearditwonderedatwhattheshepherdstoldthem.ButMarytreasuredupallthesethings,ponderingtheminherheart.Andtheshepherdsreturned,glorifyingandpraisingGodforalltheyhadheardandseen,asithadbeentoldthem.LUKE2:1-20SongSingorlistento“SilentNight”together.Asyoudo,readcarefullythroughthelyricsandexplainanywordsthatmightbeunfamiliartoyourkids.AskthemwhattheylearnaboutJesusfromthissong.Silentnight,holynightAlliscalm,allisbrightRoundyonvirginmotherandchildHolyinfant,sotenderandmildSleepinheavenlypeace,sleepinheavenlypeaceSilentnight,holynightShepherdsquakeatthesightGloriesstreamfromheavenafarHeavenlyhostssingAlleluia!ChristtheSaviorisborn!ChristtheSaviorisborn!Silentnight,holynightSonofGod,love’spurelightRadiantbeamsfromthyholyfaceWiththedawnofredeeminggraceJesus,Lordatthybirth.Jesus,Lordatthybirth.Silentnight,holynightWondrousstarlendthylightWiththeangelsletussingAlleluiatoourKingChristtheSaviorisborn!ChristtheSaviorisborn!PrayerHaveonepersonpray,thankingGodforHisincrediblefaithfulnessinsendingJesustosaveHispeoplefromtheirsins.

“AndthentheywillseetheSonofMancominginacloudwithpowerandgreatglory.Nowwhenthesethingsbegintotakeplace,straightenupandraiseyourheads,becauseyourredemptionisdrawing

near.”LUKE21:27-28

Butdonotoverlookthisonefact,beloved,thatwiththeLordonedayisasathousandyears,andathousandyearsasoneday.TheLordisnotslowtofulfillhispromiseassomecountslowness,butispatienttowardyou,notwishingthatanyshouldperish,butthatallshouldreachrepentance.Butthe

dayoftheLordwillcomelikeathief,andthentheheavenswillpassawaywitharoar,andtheheavenlybodieswillbeburnedupanddissolved,andtheearthandtheworksthataredoneonitwillbeexposed.

Sinceallthesethingsarethustobedissolved,whatsortofpeopleoughtyoutobeinlivesofholinessandgodliness,waitingforandhasteningthecomingofthedayofGod,becauseofwhichtheheavenswillbesetonfireanddissolved,andtheheavenlybodieswillmeltastheyburn!Butaccordingtohispromisewearewaitingfornewheavensandanewearthinwhichrighteousnessdwells.Therefore,

beloved,sinceyouarewaitingforthese,bediligenttobefoundbyhimwithoutspotorblemish,andatpeace.

2PETER3:8-14Thinkaboutthedifferentwaysinwhichyouprepareforthingsinyourlife—whetherit’smakingdinner,gettingreadyforworkorhavingaguestover.Howmuchtimeandintentionalitydoyouinvestandwhy?Whatmotivatesyoutowardcarefulpreparation?Whatadjustmentsdoyoumaketoyourschedule,plans,budget,etc.?

Week#5ThePromiseofJesus’Return

PersonalStudy(December25—31)

ThePromiseofJesus’ReturnFormanyofus,ChristmasDayisoneofthemostimportantdaysoftheentireyear,whichisobviousgiventheintenseamountofpreparationthatoftengoesintoit.Weadjustschedules,plansandbudgetsmonthsinadvance.Familymemberstravelinfromfaraway.Decorationsareperfectlyplaced,menusareplanned,andgiftsarepurchased,wrappedandhidden.Thereisintentionality,joyandanticipation;allbecausethisdayissignificant.Andalsobecausewebelieveitisareality.Christmasisn’tapretendday;it’sreal.Wewouldn’tgothroughallthetroubletoprepareifwedidn’tbelieveChristmaswas,infact,anactualday.Wetrustittocomeonthesamedateeveryyear.Outofloveandexpectation,wemakeeverynecessarypreparation,sothatwhenitbecomesourreality,weareready.WespendmonthspreparingtocelebrateandrememberChrist’sfirstcoming.HowmuchmoreshouldweseektobereadyforHissecondcoming?Thatday,too,isareality;anabsolutecertainty.UnlikeChristmasDay,whichhappenseveryDecember25,onlytheFatherknowsthedayandhourHisSonwillreturn.ButHeiscoming.Inthefullnessoftime,Hewillsplittheskyanddescendtodestroyallwickedness,receivetheworshipthatisrightfullyHisandusherinanewage—thebeginningofunbroken,unendingfellowshipwithHim.Weshouldbelievein,thinkabout,looktoandprepareforthatday.OnceMoreWeWaitThedayofJesus’returniscertainandcoming,but—sofar—itisnottoday.WefindourselvesmuchliketheIsraeliteslongago—waiting.Whichbegsthequestion:Howthenshallwewait?Peterasksandanswersthisveryquestioninhissecondletter.Inlove,heremindshisreadersthat,thoughthedaysseemlongandwearyinthewaiting,GodisnotslowinkeepingHispromise.HeassuresthemoftheabsoluterealityoftheappointeddaywhenJesuswillreturn.Andhethentellsthemexactlywhatkindsoflivestheyaretoliveinlightofthiscomingday—livesofholiness,godlinessandhopefulexpectation.Peter’sexhortationsarejustasmuchforustodayastheywereforthebelievershewrotetolongago.WetooarelivinginthedaysofGod’spatientmercy.WeneedtoberemindedthatreallybelievinginandlookingtowardtherealityofJesus’returnchangesthewaywelive.Itreorientsourhopeandperspective.Itcreatesasenseofurgencyandsobriety,aswellasgiddyanticipation—justlikeachildwhocannotwaitforChristmasmorning.Letus,thepeopleofGod,befoundreadyinthewaiting.AsthisAdventseasoncomestoaclose,takesometimetoreflectonhowtherealityofJesus’returnaffectsthewayyoulive.MayyourheartbefullandyoureyesbrightasyouhopeallthingsinChristandlooktoHiscoming.Takeheart,beloved.Itwon’tbelong.

ReflectionRe-read2Peter3:8-14.Whatstandsouttoyouinthispassageandwhy?Whatquestionsdoesitleaveyouwith?HowdoesyourlifereflectyourbeliefthatJesuswillreturn?Isitsomethingyouthinkaboutandlongfor?Ifnot,whydoyouthinkthatis?Whatdoyouthinkofwhenyouhearorreadthewords“bediligent”?Whatdoesitlooklikeforyoutobediligentinpursuingholinessandgodliness?Inwhatareasdoyouneedtofightandfleefromsin?InwhatareasdoyouneedtocultivateloveforGodandloveforothers?LookupRomans8:22-25.CompareittoRevelation21:1-7.Whatfuturebirthdoweawait?HowdoeslookingexpectantlytothepromisedreturnofJesusaffectthewayyouseeyourpresentcircumstances?ResponseOnewayGod’schildrenprepareforJesus’returnisbycaringforthepoor,vulnerableandoutcast(Matt.25:31-46).AsyoulookaheadtotheNewYear,thinkofpracticalwaysyouandyourfamilyorcommunitycancarefortheweakinyourarea.Inprayer,thankGodfortherealitythatJesuswillreturnandmakeallthingsnew.Confessanyareasofyourlife—finances,time,relationships,stewardshipofyourbody—whereyouhaven’tbeendiligentinpursuingholiness.AsktheLordtoshowyouspecificwaysyoucanactivelyawaitHispromisedreturninthecomingyear.SongsoftheSeasonGloriousDayInChristAloneLookandSeeYouHoldMeNow

SetasidetenminutesonenightthisweektotalkaboutGod’spromisethatJesuswillreturn.Theonlymaterialsneededarefivecandles,matchesandaBible.LightingoftheAdventCandleAsafamily,lightallfivecandles.TalkabouthowJesus,theLight,cameintotheworldtopiercethedarknessofsinonce,andHewillreturntodoawaywithitforever.ScriptureReadingHaveonepersonreadthefollowingpassagesoutloud.“AndthentheywillseetheSonofMancominginacloudwithpowerandgreatglory.Nowwhenthesethingsbegintotakeplace,straightenupandraiseyourheads,becauseyourredemptionisdrawingnear.”LUKE21:27-28“Iamgoingtoshowyouasecret,John,”Jesussaid,“aboutwhenIcomeback.”“WritedownwhatyouseesoGod’schildrencanreadit,andwaitwithhappyexcitement.I’monmyway…I’llbetheresoon.”THEJESUSSTORYBOOKBIBLEReflectionHaveanadultreadthecommentarybelow.Jesuscame,justlikeGodsaidHewould.ButGod’spromisesdon’tendthere.JustlikeGod’speoplewaitedwitheageranticipationforJesustocomeandrescuethemfromtheirsins,wearewaitingtoo.

Week#5FamilyDiscipleshipTime

(December25—31)

Godmadeusanotherpromise.HepromisedthatJesuswouldreturntoearth.HehasalreadysavedusfromoursinsifweloveandtrustHim.ButwhenHecomesthesecondtime,Hewillsaveusfromallthebrokennessthatsinhascausedintheworld.Justlikebefore,GodhasgivenushintsandcluesabouthowandwhenJesuswillreturn.Andjustlikebefore,wewait.Sometimeswewaitpatiently.Sometimeswewaitwithtearsandfrustrationbecausewecan’twaittoliveinaworldwithoutanysin.SometimesweforgetandwonderifJesusreallywillcomeback.ButGodisfaithful—evenwhenwearefaithless.AndJesuswillcomeback.Ask:HowdoyouthinkweshouldbewaitingforJesus’return?Whatshouldwedoaswewait?Thistime,Jesuswillnotcomeinthemiddleofthenightasababy.Hewillnotbeweakandhelpless.TheBibletellsusthatwhenJesuscomesback,Hewillrideoutoftheskyonahorse,carryingasword.HewilldobattlewithSatan.AndHewillwin.OurRescueriscomingback!Whilewewait,wewaitwithhope.Welivelivesofjoy,peaceandcompassion.WestrivetobemorelikeJesus,everydayputtingsintodeath.AndwetellothersthatJesuscametosavesinnersinhopesthattheywillloveandtrustinHim,too.Jesusiscomingback.Wedon’tknowwhen,butweknowHe’scoming.Soon.Sobeready.SoonwewillworshipourKing,asHedeserves,forever.Come,LordJesus,come!Ask:AswereadtheseversesandrememberGod’sfaithfulnesstosendaRescuerandHispromisethatJesuswillcomeagain,whatattributesofGoddoyousee?PrayerHaveonefamilymembersayaprayer,askingJesustocomeagainsoon.FamilyActivityTogether,read1Thessalonians4:13-18andtalkaboutwhatJesus’returnwillbelike,looklikeandsoundlike.Whatdoyoulearnfromthispassage?AskyourchildrenwhatquestionstheyhaveaboutJesus’returnandifit’ssomethingthatscaresthemtothinkabout.AssurethemthatJesus’returnwillusherinaworldwithnomoresin,sickness,sadness,fights,punishmentorhavingtoeatfoodstheydon’tlike.Evenbetter,thosewholoveandtrustJesuswillbewithHimforeverwithnoseparation.WeshouldlooktoandlongforJesus’return.Andwhilewewait,weshouldtakeseriouslyHiscommandtoloveHimfirstandmost,knowHisWord,careforthepoorandsharethegospel.

AdditionalActivitiesDraworpaintwhatyouthinkJesus’returnmightlooklike.Spendtimeoutsidewatchingtheclouds.AfterJesusdiedandcamebacktolife,Hereturnedtoheavenbygoingupintotheclouds.TheBibletellsusHewillreturn,comingoutoftheclouds.SpendtimeimaginingwhatJesus’returnwilllooklikeandprayforHimtocomesoon.